Cruise Ship Accident on Mississippi River in New Orleans Reported November 13, 2026

A collision involving the Atlantic Asphalt tanker and American Cruise Lines' docked American Heritage riverboat in New Orleans was reported on November 13, 2026. The passenger vessel was at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place on the Mississippi River, near the Crescent City Connection.

Officials said approximately 197 passengers were aboard, along with crew members. The American Heritage had reportedly docked about two hours before the collision to begin allowing passengers to disembark.

Port of New Orleans Harbor Police officers and port employees rescued people from both the vessel and the river. The collision happened outside the Port Administration Building, where passengers were taken for triage and assistance.

University Medical Center New Orleans reported that 32 people had arrived at a hospital. The available information did not identify those individuals or describe their injuries or medical conditions.

American Cruise Lines confirmed that passengers and crew were evacuated and said it was coordinating with the Coast Guard and local authorities. Mayor Helena Moreno later announced that everyone aboard had been accounted for.

The emergency response included the U.S. Coast Guard, Harbor Police, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Police Department and New Orleans EMS. Louisiana State Police, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, the Louisiana National Guard and other state and local agencies also assisted.

During the response, the Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River to vessel traffic between mile markers 93 and 96 to protect responders and mariners. Cross-river ferry service was also temporarily suspended. The Coast Guard asked people to stay clear of the response area.

City emergency officials provided phone numbers for anyone seeking information about a missing person: 3-1-1 within New Orleans or 504-539-3266 from outside the city. The supplied information did not establish what caused the collision.